Binding and labeling apparatus

ABSTRACT

A tool for binding or labeling articles with a closed loop of flexible tape or the like. A pair of tape feeding pawls move linearly in opposite directions during a first portion of the tool operating cycle for feeding tape from a roll into position around an article. The feed pawls move linearly toward each other during a second portion of the tool operating cycle to advance the tape for the next binding operation. The feed pawls are each connected to coiled band extension springs each having one end connected to a pivoted operating lever. The tool includes a tape guide member formed of a flattened strip spring having a present curvature. One end of the guide member is advanced in a curved path for guiding the tape around the article to be bound during the first portion of the operating cycle.

United States Patent [191 Baker et al.

[ Nov. 19, 1974 BINDING AND LABELING APPARATUS Inventors: William J. Baker, Reed City; John R. Bos, Grand Haven; Robert W. Klemm, Reed City, all of Mich.

Gardner-Denver Company, Dallas, Tex.

Filed: Nov. 15, 1973 Appl. No.: 416,054

Assignee:

Primary Examiner-Granville Y. Custer, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or Firm-M. E. Martin 5 7] ABSTRACT A tool for binding or labeling articles with a closed loop of flexible tape or the like. A pair of tape feeding pawls move linearly in opposite directions during a first portion of the tool operating cycle for feeding tape from a roll into position around an article. The feed pawls move linearly toward each other during a second portion of the tool operating cycle to advance the tape for the next binding operation. The feed pawls are each connected to coiled band extension springs each having one end connected to a pivoted operating lever. The tool includes a tape guide member formed of a flattened strip spring having a present curvature. One end of the guide member is advanced in a curved path for guiding the tape around the article to be bound during the first portion of the operating cycle.

21 Claims, 20 Drawing Figures SIEU 1 W 5 PATENTEL ADV I 9 I974 DAMIEN 1 SW saw u ur 5 3.848.? 89

PATENIEL :auv 1 9 1914 SHEEI 5 0f 5 1 BINDING AND LABELING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various devices or tools are known for forming a band or tie around an article or group of articles for binding articles together, attaching an article to a stake or support, or attaching an identifying label to an article. Generally known devices include a type which comprises a pair of jaws which are movable from an open to a closed position after the article to be bound has been placed between the jaws. The jaws usually serve as a guide for the binding material or tape as it is fed around the article being bound. Other known devices require manual feeding and guiding of the tape or binding material around the article and insertion of the leading end of the tape back into the tool for application of a closure or fastener to the tape to form a binding or tie. Another type of tool comprises a pair of pivoted members between which an article is placed and engaged with the tape prior to moving the members toward each other to staple the tape to itself to form the loop. A tool of this type is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,603,497 to M. Nishikawa.

The pivoted jaw type tools are somewhat difficult to handle because in many applications, depending on the article to be bound or labeled, too much time and dexterity are required to place the article between the jaws prior to closing and feeding of the tape. Also, the jaws often catch or snag on some types of articles such as plant stems or branches. Binding and labeling tools which require manual handling of the tape for guiding and placing the leading end of the tape back in the tool for fastening require both hands for operation of the tool and, therefore, are not normally suitable for use as portable tools where one of the operators hands must be free to handle the article. Moreover, manual guiding of the binding tape is slow and the loops or bindings are not normally of uniform size.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an improved apparatus for applying closed and secured loops of flexible tape or the like to articles. The apparatus of the present invention is disclosed in the form of a manually operated tool for applying closed loops of flexible tape to articles for binding plural articles together or for'applying an identifying label to an article or group of articles which can be surrounded by a closed loop of binding material.

With the apparatus of the present invention there is also provided an improved tool for applying a closed and stapled loop of flexible tape to an article or plural articles wherein the tape is stored in a roll or tape magazine mounted on the tool and is fed out in predetermined lengths for each binding operation.

The apparatus of the present invention also provides a binding or labeling tool having a novel tape guiding device which is retracted into the tool prior to and after a tool operating cycle and is extended to guide the tape in a curved path around the article to be bound during feeding and fastening of the tape to form a closed loop. By utilizing a flattened strip spring having a present curvature or memory a reliable and uncomplicated tape guiding device is provided which does not interfere with placement of the article to be bound in the'desired working position with respect to the tool for application of a binding or label.

The apparatus of the present invention further provides a binding or labeling tool having an improved feed mechanism for advancing a predetermined length of flexible tape to be formed as a binding and for advancing tape from a roll or storage magazine a predetennined amount in preparation for a succeeding tool operating cycle. The improved tape feed mechanism of the present invention is characterized by a pair of coiled band constant force springs which drive a pair of feed pawls to advance a predetermined length of tape during two discrete portions of the tool operating cycle. Moreover, the feed mechanism disclosed in the present invention may be used to feed other forms of substantially flat and elongated material as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

In accordance with the present invention there is further provided a binding tool which is operable to be manually actuated by one hand and with very slight manual effect thanks to the improved feed mechanism and tape guide device included therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section view of a manually operated binding and labeling tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. la is a plan view of a portion of the labeling tape disposed in the tool of FIG. 1 showing the relative location of the feed notches and the tape feed pawls for the position of the tape in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the front portion of the tool in the position shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal view of a fragment of the tape guide member;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal section view of the tool of FIG. 1 illustrating the tape being fed and guided around an article; I

FIG. 4a is a plan view of a portion of the tape showing the relative location of the feed notches and the feed pawls for the position of the tape in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a transverse section taken along line 55 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a transverse section taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a transverse section taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal section on an enlarged scale of the forward tape feed pawl and support member;

FIG. 9'is a longitudinal section similar to FIG. 1 and showing the tool completing a first portion of an operating cycle;

FIG. 9a is a plan view of the tape showing the relative locations of the feed notches and the feed pawls for the view of FIG. 9;

FIG. 10 is a detail section view on an enlarged scale of the front portion of the tool in the position shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal section'view similar to FIG. 1 and showing the tool in a position during the second portion of the operating cycle;

FIG. 11a is a plan view of the tape showing the relative location of the feed notches and the feed pawlsfor the view of FIG. 11;

FIG. 12 is a transverse section view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal elevation of the tool of FIGS. 1 through 12;

FIG. 14 is a section view of an alternate embodiment of the front portion of a binding tool in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a partial longitudinal section view of the binding tool of FIG. 14 illustrating mechanism for deactivating the tape feeding members; and,

FIG. 16 is a section view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIGS. 1, 5, 6, 7, and 12 of the drawings the binding and labeling apparatus of the present invention is shown in the form of a portable, manually operated tool generally designated by the numeral 20. The tool 20 comprises an elongated frame 22 in which are formed elongate channels 24 and 26 extending in opposite directions on each side of a recess 28. The frame 22 supports a plurality of rollers 30, 32, 34, and 36. The rollers 32 and 34 are disposed closely adjacent each other in the recess 28, and the rollers 30 and 36 are disposed adjacent opposite ends of the respective channels 24 and 26. As may be seen in FIG. 1 the recess 28 opens directly into the channel 26 and, by way of a slot 38, into the channel 24. A portion 39 of the slot 38 also opens into channel 26. As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 12 an elongated cover member 40 is disposed on one side of the frame 22 for enclosing the channels 24 and 26, and the recess 28. The channel 24 opens to one end of the frame 22 adjacent the roller 30, and the channel 26 opens to a depending housing portion 42 which comprises a holder for a roll of flexible binding or labeling material. The holder 42 is suitably secured to the frame 22 by an integral pin 43, FIG. 12. The holder 42 includes an integral hub 44 for rotatably supporting a roll 46 of labeling tape 48 which is retained in the holder by a removable cover member 50.

The frame 22 comprises a support for improved feeding means for elongated flexible material including the labeling tape 48 shown in the drawings. Referring particularly to FIGS; 1, 7 and 8 the improved tape feeding means of the present invention includes a pair of oppositely movable tape feeding members 52 and 54 slidably disposed in the respective channels 24 and 26. The tape feeding member 52 is characterized by a pair of separable hollow members 56 and 58 joined together to form a slot 60. The members 56 and 58 also support a finger or pawl 62 which depends into the slot 60 and is formed to be resiliently deflectable. The pawl 62 includes an integral support portion 64 and may be formed of a suitable elastic material such as molded rubber or plastic. As shown more clearly in FIG. 8 the support portion 64 is closely fitted within the hollow members 56 and 58 to clamp the feed member 52 to a portion of an elongated metal strip spring 66 intermediate the ends thereof.

The spring 66 is of a type commonly known as a coiled band constant force extension spring. The spring 66 may be formed of suitable spring steel prestressed in such a way that it is biased to coil around the roller 30 in successive layers of itself. The spring 66 is also guided partially around the roller 32 and is fastened at one end to the hand grip 70 of a pivoted actuating lever 72. The spring 66 is biased to coil around itself on the roller 30 and in so doing move the feeding member 52 through the channel 24 toward the roller 30. Extension of the spring 66 by movement of the hand grip 70 upward, viewing FIG. 1, moves the tape feeding member 52 to the position shown in FIG. 1. The feeding member 54 is of substantially the same configuration as the feeding member 52 and includes a longitudinal slot 74 and a tape engaging feed pawl 76 similar to the pawl 62. The feeding member 54 is also fastened to an intermediate portion of a coiled band extension spring 78 which is also preferably of the constant force type. The spring 78 is biased to coil around itself on the roller 36 and is guided partially around the roller 34 to where its opposite end is connected to the lever 72.

As shown in FIG. 1 the labeling tape 48 is unwound from the roll 46 by being trained into the channel 26 and through the slot 74 in the feeding member 54, then through slot 38-39 into the channel 24, through the slot 60 in the feeding member 52, and on toward the open end of channel 24. The pawls 62 and 76 are engageable with the tape 48 as it passes through the respective members 52 and 54. Referring to FIG. la, which is intended to be viewed in conjunction with FIG. 1, the tape 48-is provided with a series of spaced apart pairs of U-shaped cuts forming notches 80 and 82. The notches 80 and 82 are spaced at predetermined intervals along the tape 48 for engagement respectively by the pawls 76 and 62 for positive feeding or advancement of the tape as will be explained in greater detail herein.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 6, and 7 the tool 20 is further characterized by a frame portion 84 formed by two juxtaposed members 86 and 88 projecting forwardly from the frame 22 and connected to the frame by fasteners 90 and 92 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7. The frame portion 84 pivotally supports the tool operating lever 72 by means of a pin 94. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the operating lever 72 is formed of two oppositely facing members 96 and 98 which form the hand grip 70 and also include respective integral portions facing each other and forming a support part 100. The members 96 and 98 are retained in assembled relationship by the pin 94 and by suitable fasteners 95 and 97, FIG. 1. The fastener 97 which is disposed at the opposite endof the operating lever 72 from the support part 100, also retains the extended ends of the springs 66 and 78.

The pin 94 also pivotally supports a bracket 102 between the members 86 and 88 and upon which is mounted a storage and feed mechanism 104 for wire staples or the like. The stapling mechanism 104 is of a known type in which a plurality of U-shaped staples are stored and advanced into position to be successively clinched by a staple driver and anvil for joining together articles of relatively thin sheet material. The stapling mechanism 104 includes an elongated guide 106 for supporting a plurality of staples 108 as shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 10. The mechanism 104 also includes a feed device 109 for advancing the staples into driving position under a staple driver 110 which is secured to the frame portion 84. The device 109 is removably mounted on the guide 106 to permit loading a plurality of staples into the mechanism 104 as needed. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 the support part includes a recess 112 in which is secured an anvil 114 for bending the parallel legs of a staple'into the clinched position in response to the staple being forcibly engaged by the driver 110. The support part 100 also includes an opening 116 formed partially by an insertable member 118 comprising a cutting edge. The cutting member 118 is cooperable with a cutting blade 120, which is mounted on the frame portion 84 to cut the tape 48 at the completion of a binding or label attaching operation as will be explained further herein.

The support part 100 further includes a pair of guides 122 and 124 for guiding the tape 48 as it is fed over the anvil 114 and toward the distal end of the support part. The guides 122 and 124 are movably secured on the members 96 and 98. Referring to FIG. 2 the distal end of the support part 100 also includes a surface 128 upon which an article such as the stern 130 of a shrub or plant may be rested and engaged also with the edges 132 of the guides. The effective length of the surface 128 for supporting an article may be varied by adjusting the position of the guides 122 and 124. A recess 134 formed in the support part 100 provides for advancing the tape 48 under the stem 130 in preparation for looping the tape around the stem. The tape 48 will normally advance into the recess 134 as it is fed past the anvil 114 without striking the article to be bound due primarily to a slight preset curvature or memory which the tape possesses from being stored on the roll 46.

The binding and labeling tool 20 includes improved means. for guiding the tape 48 around an article such as the stem 130 in a way such that the leading end of the tape may be advanced back toward the anvil 114 preparatory to the operation of stapling the tape to itself to form a closed loop. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 the improved guide means is shown as an elongated striplike member 136 which comprises a multilayer or laminated flat spring made of a suitable material such as steel. The guide member 136 is formed to have a preset curvature or elastic memory so that when the member is not restrained in the flat position it will coil itself in a curved and substantially circular configuration of predetermined diameter. The width of the guide member 136 may be slightly greater than the width of the tape 48. A particularly suitable type of spring which may be used for the guide member 136 is known as a coiled band constant force extension spring similar to the springs 66 and 78. Such springs are manufactured under the United States Trademark NEGATOR registered to American Machine and Metals, Incorporated. The guide member 136 is partially disposed in a passageway 138 formed in the support part 100. The guide member 136 also extends into the channel 24 in the frame 22 and includes an end portion 142 which is folded to retain the guide member in a slot 144 formed in the tape feeding member 52. The opposite end of the guide member 136 extends a short distance beyond the end of the passageway 138 when the tool 20 is in the position shown in FIG. 1. A roller 140 is mounted on the support part 100 and engages the guide member 136 at the forward end of the passageway 138. As may be appreciated by viewing FIGS. 1, 4, 9, and when the tape feeding member 52 is operated to advance the tape 48 beyond the distal end of the support part 100 the guide member 136 is also fed out from the passageway 138 and moves in a curved path to guide the tape around the stem 130 and back toward the anvil 114. When the operating lever 72 is released and the tool returned to the condition shown in FIG. 1, the guide member 136 is retracted into the passageway 138 to be clear of the article which has been bound. This provides for an unobstructed forward portion of the tool so that articles may be easily placed in position for binding or labeling.

Referring to FIG. 3 the guide member 136 may be formed of a plurality of flat strip springs 146 and 148 which for the tool 20 are each preferably of a thickness of 0.004 inches and coil to a free diameter of 0.66 inches. The spring 148 is also provided on its outwardly facing side with a coating of a suitable material having good bearing characteristics such as one of the fluroplastics. The guide member 136 may also be formed as a single layer spring but the multilayered configuration shown normally has a longer fatigue life.

The tool 20 may be manually operated to apply labels bearing various indicia such as the indicia 49 noted on the tape 48. The tool 20 is particularly suitable for labeling plants and shrubs but labels and bindings may be applied to virtually any object which can be surrounded by the guide member 136. The operating lever 72 is lightly biased into the position shown in FIG. 1 by a torsion coil spring 150 having its coils disposed around the pin 94. One end of the coil spring 150 is disposed in a recess 152 in the frame 22, and the other end is engaged with a projection 154 on the operating lever 72.

Labeling tape stored on the roll 46 may be loaded into the tool by manually inserting the leading edge into the channel 26 from the magazine or tape holder 42 with the cover 50 removed to receive the roll. The tape 48 is pushed forward through the slot 74 in the feeding member 54 and on through the slot 60 in the feeding member 52 until the leading edge of the tape protrudes through the slot 116. The tape may be grasped and manually pulled forward until the proper notch 82 is aligned with and engaged by the pawl 62 on the forward feed member 52. The tool 20 may then need to be actuated once to cut the tape at the proper point by the cutting blade to be sure that a proper length of tape is applied at the first operation of the tool to bind or label an article. The cover member 50 is placed in position and snapped on the hub 44 after the roll 46 has been properly mounted on the hub. In the event that the tape cannot be easily pushed through the channels 26 and 24 and the feeding members 54 and 52, a suitable elongated bladelike applicator, not shown, may be attached to the leading edge of the tape and pushed first through the aforementioned portions of the tool to load the tape. Moreover, the applicator may also be used to unload or remove tape from the tool 20 by insertion of the applicator first into the channel 26 and through the slots in the feed members 54 and 52 to release the pawls from engagement with the notches 80 and 82 in the tape, The tape may then be withdrawn into the holder. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the tape 48 may be supplied to the tool 20 from a roll or other supply source which is not mounted directly on the tool itself, for example a large roll mounted on a suitable dereeling device located near the tool but not on it.

When the tape has been loaded and suitably positioned so that the pawl 62 of the feeding member 52 is engaged with a notch 82 as shown in FIGS. 1 and la and the leading edge of the tape is also in the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 the tool is ready to be actuated. An article to be labeled such as the stem is placed on the surface 128 and against the edge 132 of the guides 122 and 124. The hand grip 70 is then depressed toward the frame 22 to pivot the operating lever 72 about the pin 94. Movement of the lever 72 is carried out with considerable ease in the above-described direction thanks to the feed springs 66 and 78 which are biased to coil about themselves on their respective rollers 30 and 36 and thus oppose the bias force of the torsion coil spring 150 acting on the operating lever. The tool 20 is designed to be suitably operated with one hand thereby leaving the operators other hand free to hold the article being labeled or bound.

As the operating lever 72 is moved from the position of FIG. 1 to the position of FIG. 4 the tape is advanced by the feeding member 52 so that the leading edge passes through the recess 134 and under the stem 130. As soon as the leading edge of the tape 48 moves a short distance beyond the end of the recess 134 the tape is engaged with and guided by the guide member 136 which is advancing in a curved path as it is pushed out of the passageway 138 by the feeding member 52 concurrently with the feeding of the tape. While the feeding member 52 is advancing the tape 48 to be looped around the article to be labeled the feeding member 54 is moving toward the roller 36 while the feed spring 78 is wound thereon. The pawl 76 tends to be deflected away from the tape 48 as the tape moves in a direction opposite to that of the feed member 54, and, accordingly, the pawl will not catch in any of the notches 80 or 82 in the tape.

As the support part 100 moves toward the stapling mechanism 104 the tape 48 will be guided and advanced in a curved path until the tape leading edge is moving generally in a direction opposite whence it came. The guides 122 and 124 held center the tape 48 on top of itself so that as the support part 100 moves to the position shown in FIGS. 9 and the tape is in position for the stapling operation. As the support part 100 moves from the position of FIG. 4 to the position of FIG. 9 the anvil 114 engages the stapling mechanism 104, with the tape 48 disposed in two layers therebetween. The stapling mechanism is pivoted upward until the driver 110 engages and drives a'staple through the tape layers whereupon the staple is clinched by the anvil thereby forming a closed loop of tape surrounding the stem 130. In moving from the position shown in FIG. 4 to the position of FIGS. 9 and 10, the support part 100 carries the cutting member 118 past the cutting edge of the blade 120 to cut the tape 48 and thereby form a label portion bearing suitable indicia. When the trailing edge of the label is cut it is pushed into a recess 156 below the cutting member 118 to provide clearance for the newly formed leading edge of the tape to be fed through the slot 116 and toward the anvil 114.

When the operating lever 72 has been actuated through a first portion of an operating cycle of the tool as shown by the position of FIG. 9 the feeding member 54 has been moved to a position closely adjacent the roller 36. As shown in FIG. 9a the tape 48 has been advanced by the feeding member 52 to a position such that a notch 80 is now disposed in a position to be engaged by the feed pawl 76. When the tool operator releases or relaxes manual force on the hand grip 70 the torsion spring 150 will overcome the bias forces of the springs 66 and 78 to pivot the operating lever 72 toward the position of FIG. 1 1 and ultimately back to the position of FIG. 1. As the operating lever 72 moves to the FIG. 11 position the feeding member 54 will operate to feed the tape 48 from the roll 46 to advance a newly formed leading edge into a position preparatory to the next label or binding application. Concurrently with the feeding of the tape 48 toward the anvil 114 the feeding member 52 is moving toward the roller 32 to retract the guide member 136 into the passageway 138 and to place the feed pawl 62 in position to engage a notch 82 for the next operating cycle of the too]. After the guide member 136 has been retracted into the passageway 138 the article such as the stern 130 is removed from the support part 100.

The second portion of the operating cycle of the tool 20 is completed when the operating lever 72 has returned to the position shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. As the operating lever 72 returns to the FIG. 1 position, the projection 154 engages the stapling mechanism 104 to pivot the guide 106 away from the driver 110 to permit a staple to be advanced into position for being driven during the next operation of the tool. As the feeding members 52 and 54 move toward each other to the position shown in FIG. 1, the tape 48 is advanced until a notch 82 is in position for engagement by the pawl 62 at the onset of the next operating cycle of the tool.

Referring to FIG. 14 an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention is illustrated and generally designated by numeral 159. The tool 159 includes a modified support part designated by the numeral 160. The embodiment of FIG. 14 includes a curved wall portion 162 of the support part which forms a shield for the guide member 136. The support part 160 is also formed to have a recess 164 which positively locates articles to be bound in the proper position for guiding the tape 48 around in a curved path by the guide member 136 without unwanted engagement of the guide member with the article. Moreover, the wall portion 162 permits using the tool in close proximity to other articles such as other branches or stems of a plant or shrub without entanglement of the guide member in those articles. With the use of the modified support part 160 an article can be easily segregated and bound or labeled without entangling the guide member 136 or the tape 48 with other articles which are normally closely adjacent the selected article.

The embodiment of FIG. 14 also includes a tape cutting blade 166 mounted on the stapling mechanism 104 and cooperable with an edge formed by a recess 168 in the support part 160. The blade 166 is used in place of the cutting blade 120 of the embodiment of FIG. 1 and is operable to cut the tape 48 at a location close to the anvil 114 thereby forming a closed loop or binding without the elongated label portion of the tape. For example, as shown in FIG. 14 the tool 159 is illustrated as applying a closed loop 170 of tape to loosely bind two articles together such as the stem 172 of a plant and a supporting stake 174.

When the apparatus of the present invention is used for binding applications the length of tape required is normally less than for labeling applications and hence the feeding member 54 is not required to feed the tape toward the anvil 114 during the second portion of the tool operating cycle as explained previously herein. Accordingly, the tool 159 is provided with means for deactivating the feeding member 54 so that only the feeding member 52 is operative to advance the tape 48 toward the anvil 114 during the first portion of an operating cycle of the tool.

Referring to FIG. 15 the tool 159 comprises a frame 222 similar to the frame 22 except for the provision of an elongated groove 224 and a curved guideway 226 for respectively supporting and guiding an elongated flexible blade 228. The blade 228 includes a digital push button 230 for moving the blade at will between a retracted position in which the blade is disposed in the groove 224 and an extended position as shown in FIG. 16 wherein the blade is inserted in the slot 74 of the feeding member 54 between the pawl 76 and the tape 48. With the blade 228 interposed between the tape 48 and the pawl 76 the feeding member 54 will be rendered inoperative for advancing the tape toward the anvil when the feeding member is moved from the roller 36 toward the roller 34 during the second portion of the tool operating cycle. Moreover, the blade 228 may be provided with a suitable friction surface on the side facing the tape 48 for frictional retention of the tape against unwanted reverse movement toward the roll 46 when either the feed member 54 or the member 52 is moved in that direction.

Referring to FIG. 16 also, the tool 159 further includes a relatively thin bladelike member 232 disposed in the slot 38 in the frame 222. The member 232 includes a pair of projections 234 which extend through suitable slots in the sidewalls of the tool 159 and comprise digital actuating means for moving the member from the position shown in FIG. 15 to a position for engaging the pawl 62 to raise the pawl upward and away from the tape 48. In the event that it is desired to remove a partially expended roll of tape from the tool 159, the member 232 may be extended to engage the pawl 62 when the member 52 is in the position shown in FIG. 16 to prevent the pawl from engaging a notch 80 or 82 in the tape as it is pulled out through the tape holder. In fact, the blade 228 and the member 232 may be used to facilitate both loading and unloading of the tape with respect to the tool 159.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for applying a closed loop of binding material such as tape or the like around an article and characterized by:

a frame;

feeding means supported by said frame for feedipg a length of tape around an article;

operating means for operating said feeding means to feed said length of tape;

flexible guide means movable for guiding said tape in a curved path substantially around said article; and, means for fastening said tape to form a closed loop.

2. The invention set forth in claim 1 wherein:

said guide means comprises a flexible guide member having a portion engageable with said tape and movable in a curved path for guiding said tape to form a loop around said article.

3. The invention set forth in claim 2 wherein:

said guide member comprises an elongated flat strip spring having an elastic memory for forming a curved guide surface, said guide member being movable from a retracted position on said apparatus to an extended position wherein a portion of said guide member forms said curved surface for engagement with said tape.

4. The invention set forth in claim 3 wherein:

said portion of said guide member is unrestrained in said extended position and forms a curved guide surface of predetermined curvature in accordance with the elastic memory of said guide member.

5. The invention set forth in claim 4 wherein:

said guide member comprises a coiled band constant force extension spring.

6. The invention set forth in claim 5 wherein:

said spring comprises plural layers of coiled band constant force extension springs.

7. The invention set forth in claim 2 wherein:

said guide member is interconnected with said feeding means for movement from said retracted position to said extended position concurrently with the feeding of a length of tape.

8. The invention set forth in claim 3 wherein:

said apparatus includes a support part connected to said frame and having a guideway for supporting said guide member in said retracted position.

9. The invention set forth in claim 8 wherein:

said support part includes a surface for supporting an article and for locating said article to be at least partially surrounded by said guide member when said guide member is moved to said extended position.

10. The invention set forth in claim 9 wherein:

said feeding means comprises a feed member supported by said frame for linear reciprocating movement to feed a length of tape in response to the operation of said operating means, and one end of said guide member is connected to said feed member for movement therewith between said retracted position and said extended position.

11. Apparatus for applying a closed loop of material such as tape or the like around an article and characterized by:

a frame;

tape holding means for holding a quantity of said tape;

guide means for guiding a length of tape to form a loop around said article;

mechanism for fastening said tape to form a closed loop;

feeding means supported by said frame and operable during a first portion of an operating cycle of said apparatus to advance a predetermined length of tape into position for being fastened in a closed loop, said feeding means being operable during a second portion of said operating cycle for advancing said tape from said holding means; and,

operating means for operating said feeding means during said first and second portions'of said operating cycle.

12. The invention set forth in claim 11 wherein:

said feeding means comprises first and second feed members supported on said frame for linear movement thereon, said first feed member being engageable with said tape for feeding said tape during said first portion of said operating cycle and said second member being engageable with said tape for advancing said tape from said holding means during said second portion of said operating cycle.

13. The invention set forth in claim 12 wherein:

said operating means comprises an operating lever pivotally mounted on said frame and said operating means includes means interconnecting said lever and said first and second feed members for moving said feed members.

14. The invention set forth in claim 13 wherein:

said means interconnecting said lever and said first and second feed members comprises a pair of coiled band extension springs each being connected respectively to said first and second feed members, said extension springs each being disposed on said frame to have respectively one end connected to said operating lever and the opposite end disposed on said frame for coiling to retract said spring and move said feed members during said first portion of said operating cycle.

15. The invention set forth in claim 14 wherein:

said operating lever is engaged with means for moving said lever to extend and uncoil said pair of extension springs during said second portion of said operating cycle.

16. The invention set forth in claim 15 wherein:

said means for moving said lever comprises a mechanical spring.

17. The invention set forth in claim 13 wherein:

said operating lever includes a support part including means for positioning an article with respect to said apparatus for being surrounded by a loop of tape during said first portion of said operating cycle.

18. The invention set forth in claim 17 wherein:

said mechanism for fastening said tape comprises a stapling mechanism supported by said frame and including a staple guide for holding and dispensing a plurality of staples, and said stapling mechanism is responsive to the movement of said operating lever to staple said tape to itself at the completion of said first portion of said operating cycle to form a closed loop of tape around said article.

19. The invention set forth in claim 18 together with:

tape cutting means disposed on said apparatus and supported by said frame and said operating lever, said tape cutting means being responsive to movement of said operating lever for cutting said tape to a predetermined length.

20. The invention set forth in claim 13 wherein:

said feed members are disposed on said frame for linear reciprocating movement in opposite directions during said first and second portions of said operating cycle of said apparatus,

said first member includes a feed pawl engageable with said tape for feeding said tape during said first portion of said operating cycle, and said second member includes a feed pawl engageable with said tape for advancing said tape during said second portion of said operating cycle.

21. The invention set forth in claim 20 wherein:

said apparatus includes a member mounted on said frame and movable to be disposed between said feed pawl on said second member and said tape to prevent said second member from advancing said tape during said second portion of said operating cycle. 

1. Apparatus for applying a closed loop of binding material such as tape or the like around an article and characterized by: a frame; feeding means supported by said frame for feeding a length of tape around an article; operating means for operating said feeding means to feed said length of tape; flexible guide means movable for guiding said tape in a curved path substantially around said article; and, means for fastening said tape to form a closed loop.
 2. The invention set forth in claim 1 wherein: said guide means comprises a flexible guide member having a portion engageable with said tape and movable in a curved path for guiding said tape to form a loop around said article.
 3. The invention set forth in claim 2 wherein: said guide member comprises an elongated flat strip spring having an elastic memory for forming a curved guide surface, said guide member being movable from a retracted position on said apparatus to an extended position wherein a portion of said guide member forms said curved surface for engagement with said tape.
 4. The invention set forth in claim 3 wherein: said portion of said guide member is unrestrained in said extended position and forms a curved guide surface of predetermined curvature in accordance with the elastic memory of said guide member.
 5. The invention set forth in claim 4 wherein: said guide member comprises a coiled band constant force extension spring.
 6. The invention set forth in claim 5 wherein: said spring comprises plural layers of coiled band constant force extension springs.
 7. The invention set forth in claim 2 wherein: said guide member is interconnected with said feeding means for movement from said retracted position to said extended position concurrently with the feeding of a length of tape.
 8. The invention set forth in claim 3 wherein: said apparatus includes a support part connected to said frame and having a guideway for supporting said guide member in said retracted position.
 9. The invention set forth in claim 8 wherein: said support part includes a surface for supporting an article and for locating said article to be at least partially surrounded by said guide member when said guide member is moved to said extended position.
 10. The invention set forth in claim 9 wherein: said feeding means comprises a feed member supported by said frame for linear reciprocating movement to feed a length of tape in response to the operation of said operating means, and one end of said guide member is connected to said feed member for movement therewith between said retracted position and said extended position.
 11. Apparatus for applying a closed loop of material such as tape or the like around an article and characterized by: a frame; tape holding means for holding a quantity of said tape; guide means for guiding a length of tape to form a loop around said article; mechanism for fastening said tape to form a closed loop; feeding means supported by said frame and operable during a first portion of an operating cycle of said apparatus to advance a predetermined length of tape into position for being fastened in a closed loop, said feeding means being operable during a second portion of said operating cycle for advancing said tape from said holding means; and, operating means for operating said feeding means during said first and second portions of said operating cycle.
 12. The invention set forth in claim 11 wherein: said feeding means comprises first and second feed members supported on said frame for linear movement thereon, said first feed member being engageable with said tape for feeding said tape during said first portion of said operating cycle and said second member being engageable with said tape for advancing said tape from said holding means during said second portion of said operating cycle.
 13. The invention set forth in claim 12 wherein: said operating means comprises an operating lever pivotally mounted on said frame and said operating means includes means interconnecting said lever and said first and second feed members for moving said feed members.
 14. The invention set forth in claim 13 wherein: said means interconnecting said lever and said first and second feed members comprises a pair of coiled band extension springs each being connected respectively to said first and second feed members, said extension springs each being disposed on said frame to have respectively one end connected to said operating lever and the opposite end disposed on said frame for coiling to retract said spring and move said feed members during said first portion of said operating cycle.
 15. The invention set forth in claim 14 wherein: said operating lever is engaged with means for moving said lever to extend and uncoil said pair of extension springs during said second portion of said operating cycle.
 16. The invention set forth in claim 15 wherein: said means for moving said lever comprises a mechanical spring.
 17. The invention set forth in claim 13 wherein: said operating lever includes a support part including means for positioning an article with respect to said apparatus for being surrounded by a loop of taPe during said first portion of said operating cycle.
 18. The invention set forth in claim 17 wherein: said mechanism for fastening said tape comprises a stapling mechanism supported by said frame and including a staple guide for holding and dispensing a plurality of staples, and said stapling mechanism is responsive to the movement of said operating lever to staple said tape to itself at the completion of said first portion of said operating cycle to form a closed loop of tape around said article.
 19. The invention set forth in claim 18 together with: tape cutting means disposed on said apparatus and supported by said frame and said operating lever, said tape cutting means being responsive to movement of said operating lever for cutting said tape to a predetermined length.
 20. The invention set forth in claim 13 wherein: said feed members are disposed on said frame for linear reciprocating movement in opposite directions during said first and second portions of said operating cycle of said apparatus, said first member includes a feed pawl engageable with said tape for feeding said tape during said first portion of said operating cycle, and said second member includes a feed pawl engageable with said tape for advancing said tape during said second portion of said operating cycle.
 21. The invention set forth in claim 20 wherein: said apparatus includes a member mounted on said frame and movable to be disposed between said feed pawl on said second member and said tape to prevent said second member from advancing said tape during said second portion of said operating cycle. 